Fellowship

Fellowship

The word koinonia[1] is used twenty times in the New Testament. Twelve times it is used to mean fellowship – the participation in a shared or common interest. The following passages give some indication as to the depth of relationship this word conveys. “So then, if there is any comfort in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit,” (Phi. 2:1 KJV)[2]; “to know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, having been conformed to His death,” (Phi. 3:10 KJV); “We announce to you what we have seen, and what we have heard, that you also may have fellowship with us. And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ” (1 Jon.1:3 KJV); “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and we walk in darkness, we lie and are not practicing the truth” (1 John 1:6-7 KJV). Authentic fellowship with one another is the reflection of a passionate intimacy with Father.

These verses speak to a closeness akin to marriage. Paul alludes to this intimacy in Eph. 5[3] when he speaks of the relationship between a husband and wife representing the intimacy between Christ and His Bride. Intimate relationship with God brings security, courage and confidence. This allows submission, accountability and vulnerability with others in the Body of Christ. Without the attribute of fellowship practiced in the local assembly, true biblical relationships cannot be exercised. Relationships of this caliber are not easily attained or maintained in the atmosphere of selfish ambition generated by the society at large and to often echoed in the sanctuary. Fellowship is not an option or suggestion. It is the definition of Christian living.


The word “communion” is also used to translate koinonia. In the three passages it is used in there is no doubt the relationships spoken of are more than casual. To share (communion) in the body and blood of Jesus is the culmination of what He came to accomplish for all mankind. He came to bring us into Himself.[4] To realize the intimate relationship God has designed for us with Himself begins and ends with relationship with the Holy Spirit.[5] To have intimate relationship with non-believers is to ultimately destroy one’s relationship with God. This verse is not Paul’s isolation policy for believers, but his instruction to keep one’s accountability and vulnerability for those who are like-minded in the Lord. Jesus never walked away from a conversation and an opportunity to befriend an unbeliever. But He never made one His confidant.


Communicate[6], contribute[7], distribute,[8] are the other three words used to convey the meaning of koinonia. These expressions contend for the substantive display of fellowship. This requires the giving and sharing of what one possesses to meet the needs of others. Luke underscores and defines this understanding in Acts 2:44, “All the Lord's followers often met together, and they shared everything they had.” What a departure from this sensible application of partnering in the family of God has gripped the heart of the American church. Jesus said that love was the defining mark of a Christian.[9] Not separation. Not isolation. Not condemnation. Love is only love in practice; practiced with other believers for the edification of those in need.

Barnes had this to say on Acts 2:42 “There was a real and sincere submission to the gospel of Christ, and that was manifested by their giving liberally to supply the needs of others. The doctrine is, that one evidence of true subjection to the gospel; one proof that our profession is sincere and genuine, is a willingness to contribute to relieve the needs of the poor and afflicted friends of the Redeemer. And unto all people. That is, all others whom you may have the opportunity of relieving.”[10]



God acknowledged the need for fellowship when He declared man should not be alone.[11] From the moment of mankind’s appearance, to the end of the age – fellowship is the focus. Over a cup of coffee every Friday morning with five other guys sharing life stories, standing beside other believers with a piece of bread and a thimble full of grape juice, spending time raking an elderly person’s lawn, serving on an outreach team with Convoy of Hope, building a Habitat for Humanity house, or baby-sitting a sick friend’s children, fellowship comes in all sizes and shapes.



Fellowship is giving away a piece of one’s heart to a fellow believer. Yes, sometimes the heart is bruised, broken, misused and misunderstood. But there is nothing in the world like the sweetness of true God-ordained fellowship to bring healing and wholeness.

In 2 Cor. 13:14 Paul uses the phraseology, “fellowship of the Holy Spirit.” Both Dunn[12] and Gee[13] conclude this passage is better rendered, “participation in the Spirit.” This is not just a matter of semantics. The first way of interpreting koinonia infers that the Holy Spirit is the one who designs the community (which is not wrong – just limited). Participating in the Spirit is the thing that brings about the fellowship. True Spirit-filled lives and living connects all genuine believers. The Holy Spirit does more than create the opportunity for fellowship; He is the one who makes the fellowship possible. In Him and through Him the believer gains the capability and capacity to love in the manner associated with koinonia.



[1] See Appendix A

[2] King James Version of the Bible

[3]"A man leaves his father and mother to get married, and he becomes like one person with his wife." This is a great mystery, but I understand it to mean Christ and his church.” (Eph 5:31, 32)



[4]“When we drink from the cup that we ask God to bless, isn't that sharing in the blood of Christ? When we eat the bread that we break, isn't that sharing in the Body of Christ?” (1Cor. 10:16)



“Stay away from people who are not followers of the Lord! Can someone who is good get along with someone who is evil? Are light and darkness the same?” (2 Cor. 6:14)



[5] “I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will bless you and be kind to you! May God bless you with his love, and may the Holy Spirit join all your hearts together.” (2 Cor. 13:13)



[6] “But don't forget to help others and to share your possessions with them. This too is like offering a sacrifice that pleases God.” (Heb. 13:16)



[7] “I am now on my way to Jerusalem to deliver the money that the Lord's followers in Macedonia and Achaia collected for God's needy people.” (Rom. 15:25)



[8] “The way in which you have proved yourselves by this service will bring honor and praise to God. You believed the message about Christ, and you obeyed it by sharing generously with God's people and with everyone else.” (2 Cor. 9:13)



[9] “If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” (Jon. 13:35)



[10]Albert Barnes, Acts 2.42, Albert Barnes’ Notes the Bible, (e-sword; CDROM)



[11]"It isn't good for the man to live alone. I need to make a suitable partner for him." (Gen. 2:18)



[12]James D. G. Dunn, The Theology of Paul the Apostle (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing, 1998), 561.



[13] Gordon Fee, Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God, (Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 1996), 67.